YMCA Camp Manyung Innovative Approach for Inclusive Infrastructure Shines at Victorian Disability Sports and Recreation Awards
Camp Manyung has been recognised for their outstanding commitment to inclusivity with the 2023 Victorian Disability Sports and Recreation Award for Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure. The award, sponsored by Polyton, recognises how changes to common camp infrastructure can make it easier for people with disabilities to participate in the popular Flying Fox.
The YMCA team at Camp Manyung won for their innovative Universal Flying Fox project, ensuring this popular activity is accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities.
The team recognised a barrier and worked hard with consultants to find an innovative solution. This led to the creative implementation of the Harken Lokhead Winch system, which allows individuals of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds to easily access the Flying Fox activity.
We wanted to create something that was recognisable, cost-effective and allowed anyone, irrespective of their physical abilities, to ride the Flying Fox Murray Tucker, an industry expert who was instrumental in the design
The biggest challenge was climbing the ladder to access the Flying Fox, the industry first design of the rope and pulley system redefined this conventional camp activity.
Camp Manyung staff encourage campers to participate through a ‘challenge by choice’ method of teaching. By offering support and guidance, the staff empower individuals to make independent choices about what outcomes they set and how they want to participate in the Universal Flying Fox.
The strong culture of inclusion at Camp Manyung led to extensive collaboration with diverse user groups, such as wheelchair users. This highlights the team's dedication to providing accessible and enjoyable experiences for all camp visitors.
We've been working with industry professionals, program staff and staff with disabilities to adapt our popular Flying Fox/Zip Line for a wider range of campers. Through these efforts, hundreds of people with disabilities have experienced this important part of the camping experience and we’re seeing more smiles every week. Everyone should have the same experience whilst coming to camp and be able to enjoy their experience alongside their colleagues and friends. Jim Boyle, YMCA Camp Manyung Manager